Dell Venue 11 Pro, we've tested it

The Dell Venue 11 Pro is a professional tablet with a size of 10.8 inches and the Windows 8.1 operating system . This device has an elegant design and several interesting specifications, such as the use of a full-size USB 3.0 port , the possibility of integrating a 4G module or a Full HD screen to view the contents of the equipment in great detail. In addition, we can also complete the use of this tablet through various accessories such as keyboards, a stylus or a base to turn the tablet into an all-in-one computer. The Dell Venue 11 Pro is available on the market for a starting price of 480 euros.We have had the opportunity to test this equipment in depth, these are our conclusions.

Design and display

The first thing to note about the Dell Venue 11 Pro is its design. The tablet of the American company has designed a rather rugged and elegant equipment , with black as the dominant color throughout the equipment. We liked the slightly velvety feel of the back, which makes the model's grip more pleasant. To boost its productivity, the company has integrated a full-size USB 3.0 port , a competitive advantage that will allow us to connect devices such as mice, external hard drives or keyboards without the need to buy an adapter. Of course, here we find the first problem with this model. It turns out somewhat thick and heavy ( 770 grams), which will quickly become noticeable when we hold the model in the air and which makes it difficult to use for longer periods of time. Be that as it may, the main purpose of this tablet is to serve as a productive tool through the different accessories, so it is possible that we do not have to face this eventuality.

In the field of display, the Venue 11 Pro uses an IPS panel with a size of 10.8 inches. As we can see, it is a somewhat larger size than what we are used to seeing in standard format tablets. This will allow us to have more space to carry out productivity tasks. The use of IPS technology results in excellent viewing angles of up to 178 degrees both horizontally and vertically. In addition, we must highlight the Full HD resolution of 1,920 x 1,080 pixels, which yields a good level of detail. What we have not liked so much is the treatment of reflections on this screen, which reduces visibility when we use it with the impact of a light source or outdoors. The same happens with luminosity. And it is that without being a dark panel, it is missing that the brand would have enhanced this aspect somewhat more.

accessories

Using the Dell Venue 11 Pro tablet could not be understood without its accessories. Dell wanted to offer a computer that can handle various office tasks without problems. In our case, we had the opportunity to test the base for the tablet (you can see it in the image above). The device attaches easily and has a stand on the back that keeps the tablet slightly tilted in a comfortable position. The purpose of this accessory is to turn the Venue 11 into an all-in-one computer . This elegant accessory incorporates a USB port on the front and a headphone slot , while in the rear we can enjoytwo more USB ports , an Ethernet connection or an HDMI port . The connections are completed with a DisplayPort to chain the image of several displays.

In addition to the base, you can also choose to buy a keyboard base to turn this device into a laptop for use, a very interesting accessory for those users who have to write texts often and who want to take the tablet on trips and trips . In addition, the keyboard base can carry a battery to enhance the autonomy of the tablet. The last accessory we want to name here is a good precision stylus for sketching, handwriting, or taking notes on the tablet.

Photographic camera

Despite being a work tablet, Dell has not wanted to forget the photographic section. In the back we will have an 8 megapixel lens with autofocus and the ability to record video in 1,080p . It is a camera that will allow us to take decent photos, although without great fanfare. Meanwhile, in front it incorporates a lens with a resolution of 2 megapixels ideal for use videoconferencing applications such as Skype .

Memory and power

In the field of memory, we will have several different storage options. The basic version of this tablet will have a memory in 64 GB eMMC format to store our personal files and applications. Keep in mind that the full version of Windows 8 takes about 20 GB of space. The most powerful configurations of this model bet on 128 and 256 GB memories in SSD format . This setting significantly improves system startup and process load times.

In terms of power, the output version integrates a quad-core Intel Atom Z3770 processor with a power of 1.46 GHz per core. Users who require more power can bet on an Intel Core i3 or Intel Core i5 processor from the fourth generation of these chips. In the case of betting on the Atom chip , the RAM memory of the tablet will remain at 2 GB, a figure that may be somewhat short if we intend to make more intensive use of the equipment. While if we opt for an Intel Core chip, the RAM will be 4 GB,a value more suitable for using heavy applications or many open processes.

Operating system and applications

The operating system that this tablet integrates is Windows 8.1 . The latest revision of the Microsoft system has improved several aspects of the platform, such as a better ability to customize the home page, the return of the Windows button (even if only in a testimonial way) or the possibility of starting the computer directly on the deskfor those who mostly use this platform for productivity. Despite the criticism it has received since its launch, this system integrates several features that can be appreciated by professionals. For example, we have a tool that is capable of creating backup copies of our personal files automatically. The use of the task manager has also been greatly improved , with a more understandable interface and greater control over the processes that are run.

In addition to access to the entire universe of desktop applications, Dell has wanted to strengthen this team with the inclusion of several proprietary tools. Among them we would like to highlight My Dell. It is a centralized platform from which we can monitor the status of the equipment, check the latest backups or review the status of the warranty. Its interface has seemed quite accessible and complete. Another tool included is Dell Backup & Recovery , a more advanced solution for creating system backups.

Connectivity

In the field of connections, one of the most interesting news is that we can enjoy a full-size USB 3.0 port . This will avoid the need to purchase an adapter. For mobile professionals, there is the option of integrating a 4G module to connect from anywhere with coverage. It also has a Mini HDMI port and a MicroSD card slot up to 128GB . Connections are completed with WiFi , Bluetooth and NFC . This technology is used to synchronize the tablet with compatible equipment with just one touch.

Autonomy, price and opinions

One of the good news that this Dell Venue 11 Pro brings us is its excellent autonomy. Being able to work with this device for up to nine hours at a time without having to look for a plug is a very important advantage for mobile professionals. In addition, if we bet on the keyboard with battery, this autonomy doubles up to 18 hours . The Dell Venue 11 Pro can be found on the market for a starting price of 480 euros. In short, we have found it to be a very mature and complete bet for the professional market, thanks to an elegant and robust design and the versatility offered by its accessories. In addition, users who want to boost their performance will be able to enjoy Intel Core chips and memory in SSD format.

Data sheet